Madison shortstop Gina Gerone will try to help the Knights defend their PSAL city title.Philip Hall

Spring has sprung and that can only mean one thing – softball season.

Though the basketball championship banners haven’t even hung in the gyms of most PSAL schools yet, we return to the diamond starting Monday with a full slate of games. Once again, the year starts with Tottenville as the favorite to win the city title, but the Pirates don’t come in this year as defending champs for the first time in six seasons. Madison will have the bull’s eye on its back.

Expect a strong season in Queens, led by young squads Construction and Francis Lewis. Susan Wagner is consistently among the elite and Port Richmond returns a ton. It should be a very interesting season, so without further ado, here is the preseason top 10:

1. Tottenville (0-0)

The Pirates are expected to be a steamroller this year. On paper, they have more talent than any team in the city led by Division I signees Nicole Palase (St. Joseph’s) and Victoria McFarland (Albany). Add in Notre Dame Academy transfer Cheryl Lopez and rising star catcher Jennifer Palase and Tottenville should be scary once Queens College-bound third baseman Samantha Mattsson (thumb) returns around Easter.

Next: No. 3 Susan Wagner (March 22, 4 p.m. @ Great Kills LL)

2. James Madison (0-0)

The Knights slayed mighty Tottenville last year, ending their streak of six-straight PSAL city titles. Now Madison is the hunted, no longer the hunter. Coach Jeff Meltzer lost eight seniors, but returns the great equalizer: senior Kayla Hill, the city’s best pitcher. Gina Gerone is back providing serious punch in the middle of the order and Becky Ganley and Samantha Rodriguez should have big seasons in store.

Next: @ Bushwick (March 22, 4 p.m.)

3. Susan Wagner (0-0)

Is this the year Wagner finally beats Tottenville? The Falcons have some so close multiple times in the last few seasons. With Taylor Sarcone back in the circle and Danielle Locke manning center field, anything is possible. Sophomore shortstop Dayna Williams could be primed for a big season and coach Marco Altieri’s team will be back among the city’s elite yet again.

Next: No. 1 Tottenville (March 22, 4 p.m. @ Great Kills LL)

4. Construction (0-0)

How can Construction be this high after falling in the second round last year and graduating ace Sheila San Andres (SUNY Canton)? The Red Hawks only lost one other starter from last year’s team and have in freshman left-hander Brittany Rodriguez, who throws smoke, among other promising ninth graders. Look for Construction’s power-packed lineup to be one of the city’s most potent.

Next: Richmond Hill (March 22, 4 p.m. @ Smokey Oval)

5. Francis Lewis (0-0)

This is the year the Patriots grow up. Lewis was young last season and fell in many tight games. With the return of junior ace Priscilla Lallave and one of the best left sides of the infield in the city – shortstop Samantha Lallave and third baseman Bianca Concepcion – this team can do some serious damage. Coach Bryan Brown’s first trip to the PSAL Class A semifinals is not out of the question.

Next: Cardozo (March 22, 4 p.m.)

6. Port Richmond (0-0)

The core of what was a very solid team last year returns for Port Richmond and there’s no one more important in that group than senior Caitlin Shields, who now has two years in the circle under her belt. She could end up being one of the best hurlers in the PSAL this season and shortstop Tina Mazzarisi is on the verge of a breakout year. Sylvia Sosa and Christina Zerbo can do damage with the bat.

Next: Petrides (March 22, 4 p.m. @ West Shore LL)

7. Bayside (0-0)

The beginning of the season could be a tad rocky for Bayside. Coach Steve Piorkowski has the most freshmen he has ever had – eight – on the roster. And while they can all play, there could be some early growing pains. The Commodores will be leaning on seniors like Gloria Li, Victoria Yip and Soribel Paulino to ease the transition as much as possible. The future, though, is extremely bright.

Next: @ Van Buren (March 22, 4 p.m.)

8. Bryant (0-0)

Coach Wally Hausdorf says he is building for next year with six sophomores on his roster. But windmiller Tiffany Zecena was so extremely effective last season backing up Lana Kovac the future could be now for this group. Shortstop Gabby Faustino and catcher Sarah Temkin should lead the offense. Hausdorf’s teams are always solid defensively.

Next: @ Newtown (March 22, 4:30 p.m.)

9. Clinton (0-0)

Somehow, Clinton always finds a way to be at or near the top of PSAL Bronx A. This year, a lot will be riding on the power right arm of Tayna Pena, who can shut the vast majority of teams down if she has her control. The top of the lineup, led by Marigold Yin, Pena and Ambar Caba will be solid, but the rest is still up in the air. The Governors will try to steal runs, as always, with superior base running.

Next: Lehman (March 21, 4:30 p.m.)

10. Environmental Studies (0-0)

The Eagles have back most of the core from last year’s Manhattan A division winner and coach Jose Ferrer thinks this could be the year that they take that next step toward prominence. Jocelyz Jimenez returns to the circle and Amanda McLean will be her batterymate for the fourth straight year. Newcomer Emily Malave will step right in as an impact shortstop.